Bogus cops warning after spate of incidents that have seen conmen target elderly

WEARSIDERS are being urged to be on their guard after reports of bogus callers targeting elderly residents.

Northumbria Police said there has been a spate of incidents across the force area where bogus callers have claimed to be a police officer targetting victims and making them withdraw money from their bank accounts.

Detective Inspector Dave Swinburne, from Northumbria Police’s Major Crime Team, said: “We urge all residents to remain vigilant and report any calls they receive of this nature to the police straight away.

“It’s important for residents to know that a police officer would never ask a member of the public to withdraw money or give any of their personal details over the phone.

“Please do not be fooled by these callers, even if they sound professional, and don’t be frightened to let them know you will make contact with either Northumbria police or the Metropolitan police to confirm their identity.

“If anyone has any elderly or vulnerable relatives or friends we would ask them to remind them to be vigilant and be on their guard to bogus callers.”

Further information about bogus callers is available on the official police website at www.northumbria.police.uk/fraud.